Sharp's Island

97%

52 reviews

· Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia · 1 acre

Hosted by Andy T.

Tent site

· 12 guests max

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Andy is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Boat-in

This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.

NEW IN 2025: There is a beautiful cabin for guests to use. Sleeps 5 easily. Also new is the outdoor kitchen and bar. Check out @sharpsislandrva on Insta to see pics! NOTE: The parking situation has changed due to construction! The parking information in the pictures is not correct (but Hipcamp won't let me delete them). Contact Andy at 804-212-6639 for parking instructions. There is no bridge to Sharp's Island, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak. It's super easy. Sharp's Island is so named because the Sharp family of Richmond owned it as far back as the 1850s. The old brick foundation you see in the pictures is all that remains of a house that was built on the island in 1895 and stood for 75 years! We consider ourselves stewards of an amazing historic, ecological, geologic, and recreational asset, and we would love to have you add your story to this island's long history! Learn more about this land: One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starters, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs. Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are oodles of great swimming holes along the banks; fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more!One-of-a-kind really only begins to describe 1-acre Sharp's Island! For starter's, this is the only legal camping option in the city of Richmond. You read that correctly. This is your own private island, and it's right in the heart of downtown RVA! The Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain right here at Sharp's Island. That makes for amazing fishing, especially during the spring shad and striper runs. Some other incredible things about camping at Sharp's Island: You can motor up to it from Ancarrow's Landing, canoe over from the trail just below Mayo Bridge, or make this the destination for your downriver raft/kayak trip; at summer river levels there are literally dozens of great swimming holes along the banks (we can sell you tubes for lounging); choose your own campsite: sandy beach or forested interior; Fire pit ready and waiting for you. And lots more! (You have to get to Sharp's Island on your own, but we can rent you a canoe or kayak!)

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

12 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit. There's plenty of driftwood to burn on the island, and we've got a nice metal waiting firepit for you.

Toilet available

Composting toilet. Do we offer indoor plumbing on Sharp's Island? No, but we're a couple rungs up the ladder from digging a hole in the ground! Our custom groover is now out on the island with a pop-up privacy shelter to go with it. The 5-gal bucket inside is lined with a Hefty bag and some kitty litter. Now you're camping in style!

Pets allowed

Off leash. Dogs welcome!

No potable water

Bring your own water, purify from river or stream

No showers

Bathe in river or stream

Pack it out

This does include any deposits made to the toilet!

Cooking equipment absent

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 12:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Access: By boat

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Wheelchair access

Max 4 vehicles

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Tentrental

$20.00

One North Face 4-person tent and one 6-person REI tent available

Firewood bundlegood

$16.00

Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire. Same size as what you'll find at a convenience store.

Sleeping bagsrental

$15.00

Two L.L. Bean sleeping bags rated down to 20 degrees and two rated down to 40 degrees.

Reviews

97% Recommend68 ratings · 52 reviews

Sharp's Island offers a unique camping experience where nature meets the city. Campers rave about the island's blend of wildlife, city views, and the adventurous canoe trip needed to get there. Andy, the host, is praised for his responsiveness and efforts in maintaining the island's charm with added amenities like a cabin and grills. However, some visitors noted parking challenges and the need for watercraft to access the island, making it more suited for those up for a bit of a logistical challenge.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent · Group trip

Sharp’s Island was an awesome getaway. We enjoyed the river and watching all of the wildlife. Andy was super responsive throughout the trip. Highly recommend!

Ben C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Sweet Adventure on Sharp's!

Tent · Group trip

We had a blast camping out on Sharp's Island! It was a spontaneous adventure and I'm so glad we were able to book. The island is such a cool spot, we had amazing sunset views and ample room to set up. Andy is a great host, and I'd definitely recommend staying here! The canoe ride over isn't very far and is safe, and Andy will tell you (and like other reviews have said) just pay attention to the tides and river water levels! If you can, time your crossings closer to high tide when the current isn't as strong. If the river is high and it's low tide, paddling to the island can be more of a workout!

Patrick M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Thank you!

Tent · Group trip

Such a great experience and a WONDERFUL host. So helpful and was so kind. We had so much fun and we will be coming back. 100/10

Julia C.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Fishing trip

Tent

Enjoyed the stay at Sharps Island. Location was perfect for fishing all three days we were there. Caught plenty of shad and catfish. We will be back.

Terry W.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2025

Great Spot

Tent · Group trip

The space was an awesome and unique spot, with a city view that you really can’t get anywhere else! Will be returning to enjoy the countless amenities such as the grill and the cool cabin design. If you forget pillows the couch cushions make good substitutes.

Macklin H.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

Tent

It was a magical island stay with a great view of the city and totally private

Amber N Olivia C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

There is nothing else like it

Tent · With pets

I absolutely love this place and Andy is a pleasure to deal with. I've camped here like 5 times since they turned it into a camping spot and every time has been a blast. It may be challenging for some less advernturous people to get their gear over to the island. You need to come in by some kind of watercraft (be it canoe, paddle board, kayak, or john boat). But for those that are capable it's worth the effort. It's so cool to be surround by nature but in the heart of the city at the same time. Truly magical place worth experiencing.

Bert G.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent · Group trip

I loved camping at Sharp's Island. It was so cool to be camping in such a natural setting in the middle of the city. Thank you Andy for having a vision to create a little slice of paradise and sharing it with other people.

Doris T.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Great host! Future trip in the work

Tent

I'm so grateful to Andy for his warnings and understanding about the high water brought on by Hurrican Debbie! It was not possible to paddle to the site with the rapids raging. Looking forward to making the trip when the James is ready for me.

Tim R.

4 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · With kids

I loved staying at Sharps Island. My boys enjoyed fishing, kayaking and sleeping in the new cabin!

James H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · Group trip

Great spot! Andy has been making improvements to the island lately, clearing brush to make room for campsites, upgrading the toilet and including wag bags, and most notably adding the cabin and west-facing bar. We look forward to staying here every year and will definitely be coming back!

Chris M.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Amazing secret and venture island

Tent · With pets

The island is amazing - and Andy is awesome! It’s not an urban legend - you can camp on an island right in the middle of the city.

Amber N Olivia C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Improvements to RVA island getaway!

Tent · With pets

Have been to Sharp's Island many times, it's always fun to see what improvements are made in between visits. There is now a beautiful wooden structure to take shelter from bad weather and a cute tiki bar, which are awesome touches. Don't hesitate to book this unique experience if you need an escape from city life without needed to travel hours out of the city. Highly recommend! A+

Jacob K.

3 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent · Group trip

We love this place so much and it’s even better with the small cabin and bar they made. This is a gem and we need to go there again soon.

Jacob M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2024

Tent · Group trip

The island was beautiful and well kept up. The host was very communicative and helpful!

Barrett B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Sharps

Tent

Great spot, it’s a nice oasis in the middle of the James in Richmond. Site is well kept, clean and nice perks like the platform/deck, grills, an “outhouse” and a nice craftsman style shelter. Fishing and bird watching is great and Andy and his crew are great hosts.

David V.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2024

Awesome

Tent

Andy is a nice guy who went out of his way for us. The island itself was a really fun and unique experience. A true passion project, with the neat stuff Andy’s built there.

Scott M.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent

Great spot! Andy was helpful in giving direction prior to going out.

Austin L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2024

Tent · Group trip

Secluded spot, yet steps away from the City. Great island, cabin (under construction while I was there), bathroom… fire pit.. just a great spot to fish, camp or just hang out.

David V.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

Another great stay at Sharps!

Tent

Another great stay at Sharps -- amazing views and wildlife with the impressive backdrop of the city. Plenty of space for a large group to spread out and relax, and great spots to get together and cook, socialize and recreate!

Chris S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· February 2024

Tent

Andy is a great host and it was a lovely experience.

Luke G.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2023

Serenity on the James

Tent

This was my third visit to the island and it never disappoints. Love the addition of a picnic table to one of the tent foundations. Was treated to a nice variety of bird sightings and an amazing sunset. My pup also loved the freedom of roaming the island off leash!

Jacob K.

3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2023

Tent · With kids

Great host! Island was wonderful! We will definitely be back!

Kelly M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Tent · With kids

We love coming to Sharps Island every year! Awesome private area to explore, play and relax.

Amanda T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2023

Ultimate Richmond river hangs

Tent · Group trip

This is our second time staying at Sharp's Island, and it was AMAZING BOTH TIMES! We had a blast chilling in a hot tub-esque little pool near the western end of the island and playing on the rapids with our puppy. Even though the temperature was 97 degrees (!!), we were able to stay cool in the river and in the shade on the eastern side of the island. Other highlights were paddle-boarding / kayaking / swimming / exploring around the island (during the day and at night!), cooking delicious meals over the fire, and just spending quality time with friends. TIPS: -Try to pack light so you have less to ferry across the river -Make your trips to the island closer to high tide than low tide if you can -- it's much easier / less of a current when the water is higher -Bring lots of water and STAY HYDRATED! -Apply sunscreen often! Highly recommend and will definitely be back. THANK YOU ANDY FOR BEING AN AMAZING HOST AND FOR HAVING THIS AWESOME PLACE IN THE CITY FOR US TO LIVE OUR RIVER DREAMS DAY AND NIGHT. WE LOVE YOU <3

Erika B.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2023

Friends and Family Camping Trip

Tent

The island is amazing and we love camping in the middle of the city! A few trips in the canoe back and forth to bring your belongings, 2 tent platforms, and great trees for hanging hammocks make this spot a favorite. We tube down the rapids, wade in the small flowing pool made by rocks and fish off the sandy shores! We had amazing weather with beautiful views!

Jocelyn R.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2023

Tent · With pets

Can’t wait to go back! Host Andy was very helpful and informative and the site is lovely, we definitely want to return.

Holly L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Excellent time

Tent

This has been on my bucket list and it exceeded all expectations! There were so many beautiful private corners of the island, we had our own swimming hole and a fire on the rocks. Thank you to those that left items in the dry box and there were 2 charcoal grills on the island even! Only thing we’d love to have had was better clarification on parking with perhaps an updated pic. Just due to the construction and such it’s confusing, but we didn’t really have any issues. This is a magical pace and we are so grateful we were able to spend the night!

Elizabeth A.

2 years on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· August 2023

Where is the host??

Tent · Group trip

Very disappointed. The area where you’re supposed to park overnight is closed off for construction, but the host didn’t bother to tell us. The host is also not renting a canoe anymore… again, something they should have told us. We’ve done this trip every summer for the past 3 years now, and this year was the worst. Host wasn’t communicative, didn’t return my messages, texts, or calls. Island is in pretty decent shape though.

David S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

Great time- Parking issues though

Tent · With pets

This is easily one of our greatest adventures yet! It’s a unique experience and we just loved the island. On one side there are rocks that the kids were able to slide down (with a life vest). Our pup had the time of her life prancing around in nature, unleashed! Even though the overall trip was amazing, it started out rough. The silos are now fenced off so you can’t park there. We had 2 vehicles and ended up leaving one with the trailer down by a loading dock. Then I had to pay for parking about 1/2 mile down the road. Fortunately, we were able to recon and come up with a solid plan but the site needs to be updated. We spent 2 hours driving around trying to figure out the best approach to ensure we didn’t get towed!

Holly S.

2 years on Hipcamp